Manchester United forward Benjamin Sesko has publicly praised his teammate Bruno Fernandes, saying the Portuguese playmaker deserves the Premier League Player of the Year accolade after an extraordinary season. Sesko, who arrived in England for his first campaign with the Red Devils, highlighted the influence Fernandes has had on his own development and on the squad as a whole, and he did not shy away from urging voters to recognise the midfielder's contributions.
Fernandes is widely regarded as one of the leading candidates for the award after a campaign that has been nothing short of spectacular. The 31‑year‑old has delivered 18 assists in the league so far, a tally that sits just two assists shy of the all‑time single‑season record in the top flight since the 1992‑93 season. Those numbers underline his role as the creative engine of a United side that is once again challenging for a place in the Champions League.
Sesko’s own statistics reinforce the point. In his debut season in the Premier League he has found the net nine times, and four of those goals came directly from Fernandes’ passes. The Slovenian striker said he feels privileged to train and play alongside a captain of such calibre. "I’m constantly receiving instructions from Bruno," Sesko told Sky Sports.
"Whether it’s during a training session, after it, or even before we start, I just follow his advice without hesitation. I’m extremely grateful for the chance to learn from him every day." When pressed about whether he believes Fernandes should win the Player of the Season award, Sesko was unequivocal: "He’s brilliant, he’s my teammate, and he always stands up for the squad.
He absolutely deserves to win it." United are inching closer to a top‑five finish, a position that would likely guarantee a return to the Champions League next season. The club’s recent run of form has boosted Sesko’s confidence, and he is convinced that the team possesses the quality to compete for major trophies.
"We’ve performed exceptionally well, and there are still games left," he said. "The spirit within the group is fantastic. I’m learning a great deal from this experience, surrounded by world‑class players and an excellent coaching staff.
My ambition is to help the club win silverware – something that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. I truly believe we have the capacity to achieve that." Interim manager Michael Carrick also weighed in on Fernandes’ impact ahead of United’s Monday Night Football clash at Old Trafford. Carrick explained that the club has built a system that allows Bruno to thrive.
"We’ve given Bruno the platform to express himself, just like we do with every player," Carrick said at a press conference. "Our aim is to create a structure that brings out the best in everyone. It requires a degree of sacrifice from the whole squad, but I love seeing Bruno operate in advanced positions with a degree of freedom." He continued, "Bruno always puts the team first and carries a huge responsibility. His performance on Saturday, especially his defensive work off the ball, was outstanding.
He reads the game brilliantly, has incredible creativity, and possesses a sharp footballing brain. He is a central figure in the dressing room and a massive influence on his teammates." Carrick summed up the philosophy behind United’s approach: "It’s about trust. We place Bruno in positions where he can make the biggest impact, leveraging his diverse skill set.
When you trust a player of his quality, the whole team benefits." Sesko’s admiration for Fernandes extends beyond the pitch. He appreciates the mentorship and the example set by the captain, noting that the guidance he receives helps him adapt to the physical and tactical demands of English football.
"Every day I learn something new from Bruno," Sesko added. "He shows me how to position myself, how to read the game, and how to stay focused under pressure. That kind of mentorship is invaluable for a young player trying to make his mark in the Premier League." The midfielder’s contributions have not gone unnoticed by fans and pundits alike. With three goals and nine assists since Carrick took over as interim manager, Fernandes continues to be a decisive factor in United’s resurgence.
His ability to link play, create chances, and contribute defensively makes him a rare all‑round talent. As the season progresses, United’s ambitions remain high. The squad is aiming not only to secure a Champions League berth but also to challenge for domestic trophies.
Sesko believes that with the blend of experienced leaders like Fernandes and the enthusiasm of newer arrivals, the club is well‑positioned to achieve those goals. "We have a great spirit, a solid coaching team, and a clear vision," Sesko concluded. "If we keep working hard and stay united, there’s no reason we can’t bring back the success that United fans deserve."